STEAM 6 - March 2012
Posted by Chic Aeon in hunts on Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Steam 6 start location is here. There "should" be hints at each stop by the hunt posters. You can join the hunt group at the start location. In the past there has been a clickable list of hunt stops given out in group; it is not clear if this will be happening again, but if so you really want that list :D.
Have fun!
Poses by: EverGlow
TPV Policies - Mesh - Creativity
Posted by Chic Aeon in color challenge, comment, mesh, new releases, sneak peak
And yes, that was my segue line! We would not have multiple attachment points if it hadn't been for a third party viewer. True, those "stomach2" points and the like only worked for those using said viewer, but we discovered we loved those options, couldn't do without them. Eventually they made it into other viewers and now we think of them as a given. That in part was the theme of Jessica Lyon's talk (Project Manager -The Phoenix Viewer Project) yesterday during open office hours. Third party viewers bring innovation. The devs work on projects for the betterment of the resident's experience, they themselves residents.
For those of you that live in your closet (no judgement intended), Linden Labs revealed additions to their Third Party Viewer Policy a few days ago. Some of the functionality of the Phoenix and Firestorm viewers is now gone because of privacy concerns. Personally, I am in favor of anything that keeps our privacy -- we have so little these days with facial recognition software used on driver's license photos, etc. etc. The last new rule is the one that upsets folks the most. It is a long and interesting story with yesterday's treet.tv show still being in post-processing as I type.
I showed up at the meeting two hours early to find plenty of folks already there. After problems with the feed, the show was on its way to opening half an hour late when the sims crashed. After some tricky TPing to Duke University and flying back once the sim came back, the sim went down again. That was the story of the day, more crashes (there were a lot of folks there but numbers dwindled over time), a Linden Labs restart during the middle of the show, an ejection of host, guest and crew from the sim they were filming on, more crashes -- you get the idea. The word "conspiracy" came up in IRC a few times and honestly after two and a half more hours I was ready to move into that camp.
The TV crew kept coming back in and it was interesting to watch the process on the live feed. The conversation stayed friendly and positive and joking. Lots of credit to folks dealing with too much adversity. The bottom line is that not too much is changing right away. Viewer tags and custom colors are gone; true online status will be changing. The question utmost in many minds is the future.
Third party viewers account for more than half of the traffic in SL. While I have no giant issues with the official viewer, I have been in the TPV camp since I met Kirsten in OpenLife long, long ago. I could compare the OpenLife viewer (Kirsten's) with the Linden Lab viewer and see which one I preferred :D. Ah, let's say it together now --- "choices". Honestly there are some things in the third party viewers that I would hate to be without -- like derender for example. Many content creators are worried about the future of temp textures.
Think about it from the developer's point of view, as creators. How willing would you be as bloggers or fashion creators (my main audience) to make an outfit or style an outfit, take photos, put together vendors or blog posts et al -- IF you had to get the OK from Linden Labs before posting or selling? That gives you an idea how the folks that have been improving our viewers must feel. Projects like getting mesh to conform to an avatar's body rather than using five sizes and alpha layers might disappear. So much work and money wasted.
There is one bright spot on the horizon. It takes more than the fingers of both hands to count the times The Labs have done a reversal of (or simply never implemented) policy. From charging vendors to put free items on the Marketplace, to trademark protection policies of their brand. If you are a few years old, you probably have your own list. So while The Labs definitely don't have the pulse of their denizens, they do seem to listen to their outcry.
With that in mind, you might want to join the I <3 Firestorm or I <3 Phoenix groups -- or any other third party viewer group you are a fan of and let The Labs know that we, the populous, want to keep our choices!
You can find the groups in search or look for the Firestorm one in my profile.
Poses by: aDORKable, "Legs" Festival of Sin (new) and the noctis chair
Wrapping Up February
Posted by Chic Aeon in hunts, mesh, new releases, sneak peak on Tuesday, February 28, 2012
My second pick of the hunt is a collection of roses from Trident #50, a store I have visited often in the past when looking for things that grow. There are a variety of bushes, all multiples and each one prim. Two sizes (4 and 7 meters) are shown in the background. These are truly lovely and a great addition to your Spring and Summer gardens.
I can't give this hunt lots of gold stars. Hints often seemed obtuse (not the two stores mentioned here happily), many landmarks repeated, seemed wrong or went nowhere (may just be a temporary thing) and in general I thought the search more difficult than most. Hence, I only found about half of the items in half of the stores, maybe less. Still these two prizes are well worth going after.
Now I bet you are wondering about this gorgeous dress -- well how could you not? It is new from JANE for the Mesh March Madness event which open March 1. The shop layout looks very easy to navigate and there are sure to be some great things there. I can happily report that this was just one of many boxes I received tonight and the only one I had time to open. Since it was perfect for my post and fit superbly (many sizes are included), it was the winner for the eve. I am definitely looking forward to opening those other boxes. It's almost like Christmas.
So stay tuned and get ready for some lag and some fun as the calendar page turns.
Poses by: aDORKable "Legs" at Festival of Sin (new)
Dancing Until Dawn
Posted by Chic Aeon in freebies, hair, new releases, props
The metal stage set is not included, just something I was working on yesterday that was still out on my building platform -- and fit. Synchronicity.
This Horror Haute dance ensemble, SnowBlood, is available for a couple more days at Blue Blood. It comes complete with blood trimmed full skirt. And this very nicely made Victorianesce hair is free from Alli&Ali. HURRY, this Marketplace special is up today.
Poses by: the pole and !SyDS!
Cities
Posted by Chic Aeon in new releases, places on Saturday, February 25, 2012
My outfit is new from Blue Blood. The Diana dress comes in a variety of colors with pink being the winner of the eve. A belt and stockings are also included. The skirt is sculpted for an always flared look. The gloves are outstanding.
Poses by: Vista Animations
Spirit
The avatar comes with a shape but I used my own long armed and leggy one for an even more outer-worldly vision. The skin is especially scrumptious.
You will need a mesh viewer to see the build and the avatar.
Poses by: LAP
Young at Heart
Posted by Chic Aeon in design, new releases on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Props appear as needed; books, alarm clock, diary, blanket et al. The bed weighs in at 21 prims. Add the decor items and your count will be at 59.
I am difficult to fit animation wise, but these static poses worked very well for me -- happily so. You can try out the different options including a sleeping pose with magically appearing blankie cover at the shop. Lots of fun for the girl inside who wants to come out and play.
Music and Madness
Posted by Chic Aeon in mesh, new releases on Tuesday, February 21, 2012
So here's to all the creators who dare to move outside of the safety zone of the masses. There are a few; you probably know their names. This outfit is part of the MIX + MESH Spring Fashion Fair 2012. I for one am looking forward to it.
Bring in the Clowns
Posted by Chic Aeon in mesh, new releases, skins on Monday, February 20, 2012
I have to admit that I was very happy to have this outfit for filming purposes. I just completed the first entry (over-achiever Chic) in the University of Western Australia's fifth machinima contest with the theme "Seek Wisdom". It has been well received and is a good work that shows off the campus nicely and follows the theme. I am happy with it. But the artist inside me wants to do something WAY outside of the box, slightly bizarre and immensely creative. I don't expect to win come June, but I want to add something memorable to the great films that are bound to emerge. I have a vague plan which is all I ever have, and today I went over to my neighbor's LEA13 exhibit and filmed. So very perfect!
Also perfect for this costume, one of the many new fantasy skins just out from [Katsucide]. This is the Sandra Cendre - Ensoleillee - Light. There are two darker gray tones available. All are monochromatic gray tones except for the makeup.
Poses by: AKEYO, Props N Poses
Greed and Dandelions
Posted by Chic Aeon in color challenge, freebies, poses, props on Sunday, February 19, 2012
This is my favorite, aptly named "Bet Your Bottom Dollar". it comes with pose prop, credit card mouthy, extra scattered hundred dollar bill prims and three different sculpted bills to rez as you like. Definitely fun. Find LAP in the Greed section. There is a gift pose with this same theme, so don't miss picking that up while you are planning how to best bathe in those crisp bills.
Two other tips for the Festival of Sin, Hanaya (across from LAP) has a really pretty (large) flower arrangement gift as a dollarbie. Frooti has a huge pack of 18 poses, many of them both different and fun, out as a gift. Sorry, there is no festival landmark for Frooti in the pack and all was pretty gray when Lani was visiting last eve. Just keep your eye out while exploring.
And while it is early, I am calling this my Color of the Week post for "dandelion".
Poses by: LAP
Details
Posted by Chic Aeon in design, mesh, new releases on Saturday, February 18, 2012
MEANWHILE, venues abound -- one being the Festival of Sin. Now I don't actually know anyone who has gotten IN to the festival yet; those nasty "parcel not found" messages keep appearing, but since it lasts until March 3 you can get there. Perhaps they aren't quite open yet :D.
I have already seen a lot of fantastic new releases for this event, none seem very "sinful", but hey -- I care not. This new Ka'u Beach Skybox from Trompe Loeil is stunning. Large and well-designed with some modern furniture included and a completely open air at night feeling, you can almost hear the surf crashing and the crickets chirping.
The skybox keeps you at midnight, but never fear -- there is a full moon (insert howling here) and a beautiful glow on the water. I particularly like all the lighting fixtures -- both interior and exterior. They give enough luminescence for just the right atmosphere.
There is a bed with a texture change painting above -- all very nicely done. The MESH MESH MESH (want you to know you need a mesh viewer for this *wink*) skybox has baked in textures and I can vouch for the outstanding look of the furniture even without shadows and other fancy graphic settings. You can see the display inworld here.
For those of you that cannot get into the Festival of Sin for age verification reasons, you can purchase it on the Marketplace.
My last big tip for the day -- or maybe the weekend depending how lazy I am -- is this great book set from LARK. It is part of the Spruce Up Your Space weekend. The theme is "Bad Romance" and I am guessing that most of us have had at least one of those. The books are lovingly handmade. Three different styles are included with various prims counts. These are not one prim books (2, 3 and 4 prims), but they are so pretty!
Click for a larger photo.
Most of you that read this blog know I seldom shop. I have so many lovely things, there is really no need. But shop I did today as these books were not a review item. And they weren't all that expensive either, so get over to LARK if you love the written word.
Poses by: Vista Animations and furniture
It's All About Accessories
Posted by Chic Aeon in mesh, new releases on Friday, February 17, 2012
This casual look with just the right touch of glamor was fun to put together. In the newness arena from top to bottom we have ---
{Zeery} Neck Draped Scarf :: Animus :: Subcaerulus for the Back to Black event. This is a gorgeous, silky scarf that comes in a variety of colors (same pattern).
And --
FINESMITH clutch bag - sequins gold mesh which can travel from contemporary to vintage without the least bit of effort. There are many lovely colors of this item.
Click thumbnail for larger photo.
These new MESH heels from lassitude & ennui are billed as boudoir mules and they would of course look lovely with tiny intimate apparel. But there is no way I am only going to wear these at home. They work with all sorts of attire.
You have your choice off all mesh (this includes feet) or just shoes and toes. I am wearing the all mesh version. A hud is included and I had no trouble tinting to an appropriate color. There is a choice of nail polish of course. Colors include black, purple, red, silver and gold.
Click for a larger photo.
Poses by: Torrid Midnight
Changing Seasons
Posted by Chic Aeon in design, mesh, new releases
Now the Amira outfit comes with a long skirt and it is a pretty one. Be we all know that skirts and chaises don't play well together in SL. And, I am most comfortable in pants when working and such. The good news is that the glitch pants can do double duty and nicely. The head wrap is separate from the scarf so you have choices in accessories. The belt fits me perfectly so I am a happy gal there. The hair in the hood is blond and mod so if you have some intermediate building skills you can adjust to fit your favorite hair color. Update: Woops, silly me. The hair is color change. Click to get a menu of ten colors. It also has a resize script.
So here I am lounging on the new Cheeky Pea Charlie Chaise. Are you ready for some SIN?
The Festival of Sin opens on Saturday! and this is the offering from the Cheeky Pea shop. The chaise has four sets of color combos with this being "grunge". It is also packed full of poses including reading (book magically appears). Find it here when the fair opens. This is an ADULT sim that appears to requires age verification so some folks may not be able to visit.
Poses by: Vista Animations and the chaise
Raspberry Ruffles
Posted by Chic Aeon in color challenge, hair on Thursday, February 16, 2012
My dress was from Utopia. My new EMO-tions hair releases this SATURDAY. I really love this one. It is gently pinned in back with messy front and could easily cross into period and roleplay duties as needed. Sure you will be seeing more of it.
Poses by: Diesel Works
Be My Valentine
Posted by Chic Aeon in new releases on Monday, February 13, 2012
The collar is very cute and includes hearts going down the back as well. Lots of belts and some very pretty solid white nylons round out the set. While you can't see them, there are some matching undies in the same lacy pattern as the bra. Very pretty!
Have a great lovers holiday!
Poses by: aDORKable Bag Lady II
Tardy
Posted by Chic Aeon in poses
What is the "it" in my previous paragraph? Why the Back to Back pose of course from BOOM. It is very nicely done and I am hoping to include it as part of a new film, so of course I wanted to show it to you. Group messages and deliveries have always been spotty, so I guess this isn't new news. Just to make sure I hadn't overlooked the delivery (and I do that at times), I checked my "acquired" date and the box came in last night just before midnight. At least my sanity is still in check :D.
ANYWAY, it is a very cute pose. Credit given.
Pose by: Boom
Hearts and Flowers
Posted by Chic Aeon in mesh, new releases, places, skins on Sunday, February 12, 2012
My retro lingerie is from Reasonable Desires, a new release called Valentina.
If you think I am looking a little pale, it is simply this new fantasy skin from Akeruka called Wicket. Eight different eyemakeups (all similar to the one shown) let you be stunning even perhaps after death. The body of the skin is simply shaded so the main draw is the lovely face.
Last up are these great new MESH boots from lassitude & ennui. The Flutter boots are for the Back to Black event and will be available until February 29th (oh a leap year!). There are also two luscious dark toned versions with patterns in red and teal (my fave). With five sizes to choose from most avatars can find a perfect fit. I am wearing small.
Poses by: Adorkable new Bag Lady II
In the Wilds
Posted by Chic Aeon in freebies, new releases
Drowsy is a dense forest these days with meandering wooden paths that lead to secret resting spots. It is all quite cozy and magical with a few opportunities to buy things along the way. With tons of great photo ops and plenty to explore, you'll want to venture over soon.
These new boots, just out from
MayCreations, are perfect for stomping around in the woods and marshes. This is the combat version with knife, bullets and small pistol. Other styles including plain are available.
They come in small and large versions and are manually mod.
Click photo for larger picture.
Poses by: binoculars, couch and LAP
Flapper
Posted by Chic Aeon in new releases on Saturday, February 11, 2012
Poses by: Diesel Works
Folly
Posted by Chic Aeon in color challenge, new releases
Happily I had an exotic new release that fits the bill. The *VoguE* Qipao dress comes with minimal layers that keep your inventory in check (what a concept *wink*). There is a prim skirt and collar with frog -- at least that is what my mother called them -- button.
Very pretty; quiet exotic.
Poses by: LAP
Lotsa Newness
Posted by Chic Aeon in design, freebies, hair, new releases on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Side swipe Lexi hair (hairbase included) from Tameless Hair is perfect for showing off earrings like the matching ones to this Infinity necklace from KOSH.
With such great new casual attire, I can relax on my new chair and ottoman (various poses including ones for the hassock) from Allure which I picked up at Seraphim (group gift). The super cute stack of MESH suitcases with books makes a perfect accompaniment. It is part of a set from Trompe Loeil for COLLABOR88. The - Novel Decor Bedroom Duo includes -- well a BED of course, a nice king sized number in coordinating colors with both reading and sleeping poses.
And down at my pretty little feet, we have a new release of color change suede wedge boots from A-Bomb. The Paige boots come with a hud and six choices of colors including brown (shown) and black as well as some accent hues.
These are extremely comfy and a great choice when sneakers are just a bit TOO casual :D.
Click the photo for an larger view.
Poses by: Vista Animations, furniture and LAP
Fame - At Last :D
Posted by Chic Aeon in comment
Those of you in the Firestorm camp (Chic Aeon raises her hand) most likely know there is a brand new release out as of yesterday. I couldn't get into the sim for office hours OR onto the stream at the beginning, but did hear the last 45 minutes or so of the meeting. Some great new features have arrived with lots more in the works. You can get to the downloads from the main Phoenix-Firestorm page.
And a great big thanks to whoever took the time to take an original photo and feature my LEA installation as part of the Phoenix login screen. I have really arrived *wink*. Thanks also to my RL friend, "EE", for letting me know about the glory points and taking this screenshot. I don't see them on Firestorm it seems; I will have to see if that is an option.
Lots of folks have been stopping by and that makes me happy! By the way, you can pick up the umbrella shown in the photo, complete with photogenic pose at my installation at LEA12.
Update: Looks like my installation is also in the SL Destination guide. So thanks to the editor that gave me a thumbs up and perhaps the "Linden" who took the photo? Works for me.
/me runs off doing a happy dance
Good Girls
Poses by: Juxtapose
Undies
This is the Ange Leaf Satin Lingerie Set by INSOLENCE.
Poses by: Diesel Works
Like Me - Free
Posted by Chic Aeon in freebies, new releases
I took a trip over to Winterfell to find that the snows had melted and green was the color of the day. The dappled light and calm serenity were a perfect backdrop for this dress. Short sleeves are included should you like things a bit simpler.
My jewelry is a lovely new set from Eclectica called "Opulence".
Pose by: Vista Animations